Head 2 Head: Cadillac CTS-V vs. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Which Super Wagon is the Ultimate People Hauler?

Station wagons catch a bad rap -- at least here in the U.S. For many, they lead to unpleasant childhood images of sticky vinyl seats, long road trips, and fake wood paneling. As senior features editor Jonny Lieberman puts it, they're also "just dull." Except for these two, that is. In the latest episode of Head 2 Head, Lieberman pits the Cadillac CTS-V wagon against its Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG counterpart for some canyon runs and an epic half-mile drag race.

On paper, these two super wagons are evenly matched. Both are rear-drive and pack forced-induction V-8s under the hood that generate stupid amounts of horsepower and torque. The Caddy's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 produces 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. The big-boy Merc makes do with 5.5-liters of displacement from its twin-turbo V-8 packing 550 hp, though it produces 590 lb-ft of torque thanks to AMG's P30 performance package. Things diverge on the transmission front, however. The CTS-V is fitted with a quick-shifting six-speed manual while the E63 AMG gets a beefed-up seven-speed automatic.

Lieberman took the two wagons out for some canyon carving in Los Angeles county, where he determined the Cadillac was "the driver's wagon," thanks in no small part to its lighter weight and magnetic ride suspension -- a technology that GM now even licenses to Ferrari. After the twisty stuff, it was off to an air strip for some good old fashioned, top-speed drag action. With the contenders boasting an identical weight-to-torque ratio, the race was close as the two station wagons rocketed to speeds of more than 150 mph over a half-mile stretch. Not exactly dull.

As with any comparison, there could only be one winner. If you've already read the recent story, then you know who comes out on top. If you didn't, then be sure to check out the video to find out which wagon Lieberman dubbed the top dog of the Head 2 Head people hauler shootout.For more Head 2 Head action and other amazing videos on all things automotive -- updated daily -- be sure to check out our Motor Trend YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/motortrend.

Just came across this post and have to comment. I owned an E55 AMG which I traded for a 2010 CTS V. the V was maybe a bit quicker but the manual trans would cost you the race against the automatic AMG every time. Build quality and materials in the Benz was much better. Particularly noticeable in the interior which I think looks better in the V but uses cheaper materials and began to show wear almost immediately. The Benz interior looked unused after four years.

Bottom line is I went back to AMG after less than two years with the V. The V is 25 K less money and you get what you pay for. If your only measure of a car is its performance than the Caddy may be for you.

Lets face it, they are both great cars. When you factor in the purchase price, the Caddy is the winner in my book and it looks better ad to that its American made. Either way I wouldn't turn either of them down if they were offered to me

I bought the AMG wagon in December. Same performance package as the one in the Motor Trend test. Prior to receiving the car (it was on order for four months), I'd never owned a Mercedes. I was more than a little nervous about spending so much money on a station wagon. 7,000 miles later, I must say I absolutely love the car. It's indeed very fast, but wonderful in everyday driving. I laugh every time I start it up. I realize that a 186 mph station wagon is absurd, but it's a happy kind of absurd. Cheers,

No-brainer on the drag race - Mercedes has more torque and an automatic, just mash and go, no drama. CTS-V is a better looking car by a mile. The Mercedes interior is nothing to brag about, looks confused and cluttered. 40K more, wtf is going on? I agree with MT, the CTS-V is a superior car. It has the perfect balance between price, performance and looks.

@bddYou know nothing about drag racing, so pay attention and learn something:1. Torque, not horsepower, is the force that makes a car accelerate. The Merc twin-turbo arrangement produces far more torque (590LBFT) than does the super-charged Cataract (556LBFT.) Also, note that Merc is notoriously conservative when it comes to published power figures. It wouldn't surprise me, based on personal experience with the E63, that the engine produces more power than advertised.Torque advantage: Merc.2. Weight transfer is what produces traction. In a drag race, a more firm suspension results in less weight transfer and produces WORSE traction (read: wheel spin.) The Cataract's firmer suspension set up may work well in the twisties, but is a liability off the line.Weight-transfer advantage: Merc.Race winner: Merc.

Neither of these two cars is anything short of amazing. They're both winners.@BDD, That's funny. Usually the "better" cars on the road are the more expensive ones, not the cheaper ones. Generally-speaking, of course...

AMG Benz all day. Every single penny of the $40,000 premium the Benz commands is justified. Better interior (quality and material wise, pedigree and prestige, and sophistication and refinement the Caddy can only look up to, says it all. The Caddy is tolerable at best. BMW, please bring the M5 Touring over, at least give me another option for this segment to buy from.

Infidel2 you dont know what your talking about, the Caddy has more HP and weighs 300lbs. less. In the video the guy said the Cadillac and the Mercedes have the same amount of torque per lb., Watch the video the cadillac spins its tires for ever.

I don't know anyone could justify so much money for the Mercedes when the Cadillac is essentially the same vehicle. I suppose if exclusivity is the most important thing to a buyer, the E63 would be the best choice. The Benz is certainly an amazing vehicle and worthy of high praise, but it not worth $100,000.

@bddThe Merc SMOKED the Caddy because the Merc produces @590LBFT/TQ and has considerably better weight transfer during launch.That this guy picked the Caddy is absurd. Nobody road races stationwagons. Stoplight-to-stoplight driving is where these cars will spend 99.9% of their lives and, in that environment, the Merc will run the plastic fantastic Caddy into dust.I'm also entirely unconvinced that the Caddy would outperform the Merc in the twisties as there was no proof offered--just the "feel" of the driver. Besides, the Merc's power advantage would likely overcome any slight handling advantage the Caddy *might* have.

Whoever was driving the Cadillac needs to learn how to launch, he spun his wheels all day long, thats why the Mercedes won, watch the start. Anyways the Cadillac is a better vehicle because its 40k cheaper. Nuff said